Families consider space, safety, comfort, on-road costs, and ownership costs when buying a family car.
In addition, a family car must also be versatile enough for commuting, school run, holiday travels, and sometimes off-road adventure. SUVs are a perfect balance and a great solution for Australian families and can even act as great commercial vehicles if you want to haul things around.
Best Family SUVs in Australia
Buying a family SUV in Australia can be a difficult decision. With so many great options available, how do you know which one is right for you and your family?
That's where we come in. We've done the hard work for you and have compiled a list of the best family SUVs on the market.
Whatever you Need, We Can Help With
Whether you're looking for something small and compact or something that can accommodate the whole family, we've got you covered with our list of the best family SUVs in the market.
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
With the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, you don't have to sacrifice space, practicality, or style, which is why it is on our list of the best family SUV in Australia.
Engine and Performance
With a seven-seat layout, the Tiguan Allspace is an upgrade over the five-seater Volkswagen Tiguan. To set it apart from its predecessor, the Tiguan Allspace is a large SUV with a unique front-end design and roof rails. Consumers can choose between the Life, Elegance, and R variants.
The 2.0TDI diesel engine can produce 148 bhp and comes in a two-wheel or all-wheel drive. It offers a great combination of performance and fuel economy.
Diesel engines Bring the Power
However, the 2.0TDI 200 diesel is more powerful and capable of going from 0 to 62 mph in just 7.8 seconds. Although the 2.0TDI 200 is more responsive, it comes at a hefty price tag.
If you're a petrol head, the Tiguan Allspace comes in different choices of petrol engines, the 1.5 TSI 150, 2.0 TSI 190, and the 2.0 TSI 245, capable of producing 148 bhp, 187 bhp, and 241 bhp.
Compared to the Skoda Kodiaq, the Tiguan Allspace has a better suspension, easily smoothing larger imperfections while stiff enough to keep you from bouncing too much on undulating roads.
With precise steering and plenty of grip in all the variants, the Tiguan Allspace is enjoyable to drive. If you're looking for more traction, you may want to go for the four-wheel drive, as it comes with a dial that allows the driver to change between different modes depending on the terrain.
Regarding noise, petrol engines are much smoother than diesel engines when you put your foot down. However, at cruising speeds, there is no road noise except the wind fluttering around the door mirrors.
Interior
The SUV offers good seat and steering adjustments and has well-positioned pedals. You won't feel as high as when sitting in the Volvo XC40, but it still feels like you're driving an SUV rather than a hatchback.
Tiguan Allspace's interior feels like a typical Volkswagen design and is on par with the Skoda Kodiaq, with nothing special and lots of soft-touch plastics. There is plenty of space and legroom in the SUV, but the vehicle lacks boot space compared to the Kodiaq.
Features
Unlike the other Volkswagen SUV dashboards that feature buttons, the Tiguan Allspace's dashboard disappointingly feels "empty."
The controls are now replaced with touch-sensitive pads, which can be distracting while you're on the move.
The entry-level models come with bright LED headlights, while the Elegance variant has stunning matrix headlights.
All variants have an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a built-in sat nav. Audiophiles can upgrade the speaker system to an 11 speaker and a subwoofer set up by Harman Kardon, but be prepared to pay more.
Although Tiguan Allspace starts at a lower price than its competitor rivals, its servicing costs are comparatively higher than others in the SUV market.
Honda CR-V
Engine and Performance
The Honda CR-V With a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a variable automatic transmission, the CR-V pumps out 190 bhp and is quick on the road.
In the latest hybrid powertrain models, a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with two electric motors offers excellent fuel consumption.
The CR-V lacks the handling prowess of the Tiguan Allspace but provides a smooth ride and enough moxie to avoid being boring. It has a hill-descent control that modulates the speed on steep and declining slippery surfaces.
Interior
The interior replicates that of a Honda Civic; it is stylish with the honeycomb-textured insert and has an improved driving position.
There are reclining rear back seats, and the Honda CR-V offers ample storage space behind the second row.
Features
Users can control the SUV's infotainment through the 7.0-inch display that comes with Apple CarPlay, a physical dial for volume, and tuning knobs. It also offers wireless charging, built-in navigation, and USB-C ports.
The CR-V is spacious, has a practical interior, and is reasonable to drive, but it feels outdated compared to the other family SUVs available on the market.
Mazda CX-9
The entry-level Mazda CX-9 models are more expensive than its rival competitors, but Mazda justifies the cost by adding more standard features. CX-9 has a striking exterior, the interior resembles a luxury-class cabin, and the driving experience is relatively engaging.
Engine and Performance
In a segment dominated by V6 engines, Mazda took a risk by adding a four-cylinder turbocharged engine.
The acceleration is quick, the transmission shifts smoothly, and the mid-size SUV feels light. CX-9's suspension is firm but also supple enough to weather rough roads.
The steering imparts vigor, which is missing in most crossovers, giving it superior cornering control. It's more athletic than its rivals on a winding road, maneuvering tight confines with confident brake response.
Interior
Mazda's CX-9's interior is thoughtfully designed, simple, and elegant. It is tastefully arranged with soft-touch plastic, brushed aluminum, and genuine rosewood, delivering a reasonable degree of comfort.
However, due to its compact design, there is not enough space in the SUV for passengers and cargo.
Features
The dashboard has a 10.3-inch display and comes with a user-friendly infotainment system. It is easy to navigate, and the picture quality is crisp. Wireless smartphone charging, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay are all standard features.
The Mazda Connected Services offers remote access to vehicle data and allows users to remote key operations.
Regarding safety features, the SUV is equipped with driver assistance technology, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist features, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and many more.
It is one of the best family SUVs, versatile enough for commuting, school run, and even holiday travels.
Hyundai Palisade
The 2023 Hyundai Palisade model has a facelift, giving the SUV a more squared-off appearance, an updated wheel design, and some new features.
Hyundai Palisade has five variants, SE, SEL, XRT, limited, and Calligraphy.
Engine and Performance
Hyundai Palisade has a 3.8-litre V6 engine under its hood with an automatic transmission capable of producing 291 horsepower. The ride is smooth on the road and can easily handle off-terrain situations.
Interior
Depending on the variant, the SUV can accommodate seven to eight passengers. The SUV offers ample storage space with more space underneath the load floor to store wet or muddy items.
Features
All variants come with a 12-inch display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and in-dash navigation. Bluetooth can connect two devices simultaneously, and the seven USB ports offer fantastic connectivity.
When connected to the Hyundai's Blue Link app, users can lock, unlock, and start their Palisade remotely via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Some safety features on the Palisade include automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.
Mazda CX-8
Mazda CX-8 is a mid-size SUV that comes in 12 variants, with engines ranging from 2.2L to 2.5L twin-turbocharged four-cylinder engines.
Engine and Performance
Most Mazdas focus on delivering a sporty experience, but the Mazda CX-8 is focused on stability and refinement.
With its six-speed transmission, the gasoline engine gives the Mazda CX-8 smooth power and acceleration. It's lighter, agile, and has excellent braking capabilities.
Interior
The interior is relaxing with additional insulation that blocks away noise and heat. Mazda adds plush Nappa Leather upholstery, powered front seats, and three-zone climate control that delivers comfort throughout the ride.
Passengers in the second-row seat may find that they're not left out as the SUV is well-equipped with a centre armrest, multiple USB ports, rear shades, and climate control. The third row can accommodate additional passengers and allows for more luggage space with folded seats.
Compared to the Mazda CX-9, the CX-8 feels more compact, with less room for third-row passengers.
Features
The breathtaking Bose audio system complements the 7-inch entertainment system, making music more enjoyable.
Loaded with Mazda's i-Activsense safety technology suite, the SUV offers a 360-degree surround-view parking monitor, camera sensors, adaptive LED lights, lane departure warning, and many more safety features, giving you a relaxed and secure riding experience.
Toyota Kluger
The Toyota Kluger has been hot for Aussie car buyers, and the revamped fourth-generation model offers plenty of goodness if you're looking to buy a budget SUV with seven seats.
Over the previous models, the 2022 Kluger has a stretched wheelbase for more interior space, an overall larger footprint, an electric tailgate, and a full-size spare. It replaces the Toyota RAV4.
Engine and Performance
Toyota Kluger GX is a petrol variant with standard features at a budget price. The hybrid version comes at a greater price tag, but the on-road costs are much lower than the other variants.
The base model has a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and an eight-speed transmission. It feels light, and the ride quality is good. The Kluger can turn in tight corners due to its revised electric power steering and can tow up to 2,000 kg.
Interior
The exterior feels conservative with LED headlamps, while the interior is more practical than luxurious. AC strips are available for second-row and third-row passengers. Overall, the interior is similar to what you would get in Toyota RAV4.
Features
The tech is pretty standard. It has an 8-inch infotainment screen, a keyless start, and remote entry. Kluger comes fitted with day/night pedestrian detection, active cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert as part of its safety features.
If safety is your concern, the Kluger is one of the best SUVs on the market, as Toyota is renowned for its autonomous suite technology.
Skoda Kodiaq
The Skoda Kodiaq is Skoda's first-ever large SUV. It comes in four variants, the 1.5 TSI 150 petrol, 2.0 TSI 190 petrol, 2.0 TDI 150 diesel, and the 2.0 TDI 200 diesel, capable of producing 148 bhp, 187 bhp, 148 bhp, and 197 bhp.
Engine and Performance
The 1.5 TSI 150 offers an excellent balance of cost and performance. It can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 9.8 seconds, making it slightly quicker than the Peugeot 5008. The other variants offer massive power but come at a greater price tag.
When it comes to suspension, the ride is comfortable. You can even add the optional adaptive suspension on the four-wheel drive models, which improves the ride but is not worth the extra.
The Skoda Kodiaq has a better grip than the Kia Sorento, remains composed during tight corners and bends, and the four-wheel variants have better traction on slippery surfaces. However, the steering may feel light, but the optional Drive Mode Selection adds much-needed weight.
Compared to its rival competitors, the Kodiaq's 2.0 TDI 150 diesel engine doesn't produce much noise, but the TDI 200 can be a bit noisier during acceleration and cruising.
The petrol variants are much smoother and quieter. There is no road noise, just the wind whipping around the door mirrors.
Interior
The interior has soft-touch materials that feel good to the touch and nicely damped buttons. It has a lot of dashboard inserts making the overall feel aesthetically pleasing.
Although the Kodiaq isn't as wide as the Kia Sorento, sitting in it won't make you feel cramped. There's enough headroom and leg space, even if you're tall. It has a much larger boot than the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, making it an excellent option for families.
Features
With plenty of seat and steering adjustments, Sorento gives you the height you require making you feel like you're driving a proper SUV. The dashboard has large labelled buttons that are easy to use while driving.
In some variants, you can also get rear and front view cameras, while in the standard, the Kodiaq only offers a rear-view camera. The LED headlights can adapt to the environment automatically without you having to dip them when another vehicle is coming your way.
The 8.0-inch touchscreen is highly responsive, and the SUV comes with Bluetooth, USB sockets, and other gizmos such as sat-nav and wireless smartphone charging.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe brings substantial changes to the newest model of Santa Fe. With a larger grille at the front, new t-shaped daytime running lights at the back, and a slightly lower bumper, the Santa Fe looks gorgeous and maintains its position as one of the best family SUVs on the market.
Engine and Performance
The standard engine is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder, capable of producing 191 hp. Buyers can choose the turbocharged 2.5-litre if they're looking for more power. Both options come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive.
Hyundai Santa Fe also comes in hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. It isn't amazingly exciting and not suitable for towing, but it does a lot of things very well.
Interior
With loads of seat adjustments and adjustable lumbar support, it's easy to get comfortable inside. However, the build quality of the dashboard feels plasticky, like what you would find in the Kia Sorento.
When it comes to space, Santa Fe feels open and airy. It has ample storage space, leg space, and headroom to fit a tall person comfortably. There are buttons to adjust the rear seats as well.
Features
You get a touchscreen mounted high on the dashboard, and the screen is responsive, crisp, and impressive. Instead of touch-sensitive pads, the Santa Fe loads the centre console with too many buttons.
You may want to stick to the entry-level premium trim as it already comes with luxuries like adaptive cruise control, heated leather seats (front and rear), and keyless entry.
Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento has evolved to a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a small battery pack and an electric motor. The standard SUV variant comes with four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox.
Engine and Performance
The "self-charging" hybrid version (HEV) is nippy and can go from 0 to 62 mph in 8.7 seconds. The plug-in hybrid version, PHEV, has a much larger battery pack and is slightly quicker than the HEV.
Sorento also comes in a 2.2 CRDi diesel engine, which is not as fast on the acceleration as the hybrid variants but has a responsive gearbox and brutal strength to tow up to 2,500 kgs.
Interior
Everything interior-wise feels solid, and the soft-touch plastic is rather appealing. Sorento has rear window blinds and leather-trimmed seats, making things feel a little plushier, and it stands neck to neck with the Santa Fe in terms of interior quality.
There is no shortage of headroom, and the available space is quite generous. All variants come with seven seats as standard, and with a five-seater setting, the boot can hold 10 carry-on suitcases, similar to the Santa Fe.
Features
All versions come equipped with a stunning 12.3-inch display. Although Kia has brought technological improvements, it retains old-fashioned knobs for volume and the SUV's interior temperature. Every Sorento has a front, and rear view, a blind spot, and a 360-degree bird's eye view camera.
The Sorento comes with an infotainment system, Bluetooth, sat nav, wireless charging, and many other features.
You also get a powerful Bose audio system that will have you rocking to tunes on long drives.
Which Is the Best Family SUV for You?
The family SUV market is a brutally competitive segment, and with so many manufacturers competing, you'll find many offerings.
Choosing a family vehicle is a big decision that can be difficult to make. You don't want to spend your hard-earned money only to find later that another maker's SUV is a better option.
Before purchasing a family vehicle, it is crucial to go over the SUV's in-depth specifications, features, on-road costs, fuel economy, and ownership costs.
Westside Auto offers all the information you require to make an informed decision on the best family SUV for you. You can even trade in your old vehicle by scheduling an appraisal with our car experts.
With our Dealer Protection Plans, customers get a level of coverage according to their requirements.
Whether you're looking for family SUVs for commuting purposes or those versatile enough to act as commercial vehicles, contact us at (08) 6145 0099 or shop online for your next car, We are the largest used car sales dealer in WA! with over 1000 cars for sale.
